Friday, February 27, 2015

Recognizing the Sugarcane Aphid

Sugarcane aphids are distinct from other common aphids in
sorghum, in part because the cornicles, antennae and feet all have dark tips.
They are often light green to yellowish-whitish-green in color and can be
either winged or wingless.

Winged aphids arrive in fields with the aid of wind, and
founding adults can be found anywhere on the plant. However, populations
usually begin to increase on the undersides of lower leaves in the plant canopy
and then rapidly move up the plant as population size increases.

Sugarcane aphids produce large amounts of honeydew, a
sticky, sugary substance that coats leaves and reflects sunlight. As
populations grow from a single founder event in a field, circles of honeydew-coated
plants often develop. With time and the proper environment, honeydew often
becomes coated with dark sooty mold and infested leaves appear black.

Greenbugs
are frequently found in large colonies on sorghum as well, but they are easily
differentiated from sugarcane aphids because greenbugs have a dark stripe down
the back and do not have dark tips on their cornicles.

Photos modified from originals by Rick Grantham, Oklahoma
State University.

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